Released 11 January 2012
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With red kettles missing the mark by more than
$450,000, the Western Pennsylvania Salvation Army Division is appealing to the
public to send in
their monthly mail appeal donation or give online.
"In anticipation of
increased need, we set our goals 20% higher than 2010," said Divisional
Commander Major William H. Bode. "Although we raised $2,543,568.23 and
surpassed last year's kettle totals by more than by $82,000, we still have a
long way to go." Within the 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division,
$671,311.17 was donated at Walmart stores and $423,244.15 at area Giant Eagle
markets.
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Although the iconic red kettles are its most highly recognized fundraising
tool, The Salvation Army's Christmas Campaign is actually comprised of three
distinct funding streams: red kettles; direct mail appeal; social media and had
a 2011 overall goal of $6,350,000. Donors should know that red kettle dollars
stay where they give. Mail appeal money stays where they live. And social
media contributions go where the donor chooses. Divisional Christmas 2010 mail
appeal dollars brought in $2,662,749.73. The 2011 campaign raised
$2,975,168.36 to date. The overall 2011 Salvation Army Christmas Campaign
total is $5,667,736.59, which is $682,263.41 short of the targeted goal.
Internet giving, including the Pittsburgh vs. Cleveland Kettle Challenge and
Fred Honsberger Memorial Kettle brought in more than $120,000. For the second
consecutive year, Pittsburgh will reign victorious in the Pittsburgh vs.
Cleveland Kettle Challenge by raising $5,000 more than Cleveland's $1,600. "I
hope my Cleveland counterpart Major Ricardo Fernandez saved his Steelers
regalia because he's going to have to wear it again," said Major Bode.
In twenty-nine of its 38 Worship and Service Centers, Red Kettle Campaign
dollars did not hit their goals. The most significant deficits are $75,737.89
in Pittsburgh's Northside and $52,824.09 at the Mt. Lebanon Pittsburgh Temple
Corps. Others include, Aliquippa, Altoona, Beaver Falls, Braddock, Bradford,
Butler, Clearfield, Corry, Erie, Greensburg, Indiana, Jeannette, Kiski Valley,
Kittanning, Latrobe, Meadville, Monessen, New Castle, New Kensington, Oil City,
Punxsutawney, Ridgway, Rochester, Sharon/Mercer, Warren, Washington and
Pittsburgh's Westside. "We were hit hard in Allegheny County," said Major
Bode. "Our eight Pittsburgh-area facilities have a combined deficit of nearly
$165,000."
Kettle income was boosted by more than $29,000 thanks to Wendy's Restaurants
of Western Pennsylvania and their Junior Frosty keytag promotion. Keytags were
sold for just $1.00 at area Wendy's restaurants, redeemable for a full year of
free Jr. Frostys. Proceeds are split and benefit both The Salvation Army and
the American Red Cross. Salvation Army Red Kettles account for roughly 10% to
20% of each local Worship and Service Center's budget. In smaller communities
with fewer resources, they play an even larger role in the budget. Salvation
Army fundraising, including the Red Kettle Campaign, and delivery of service
are segmented according to zip code. That means each facility in every
community is independent of one another. Money raised within a neighborhood
remains there to support families specifically in that area. Social support
services are provided according to the resident's home address, minimizing
duplication of service and stretching the donor dollar further.
Contributions can be made by using our secure, online donation form. Checks can
be made to The Salvation Army with "Christmas Campaign" in the memo section and
mailed to the facility of your choice or directly to Western Pennsylvania
Divisional Headquarters at PO Box 742, 700 North Bell Avenue, Carnegie, PA
15106.
"God
richly blessed us this season and we are truly humbled and
appreciative."
Major Bode concluded, "With the cold weather fast approaching I am
concerned. These funds need to meet the many and various needs of this first
quarter. However, it is my prayer that the public knows The Salvation Army is
grateful for every gift, no matter the size. God richly blessed us this season
and we are truly humbled and appreciative."